Tips for single dads raising young kids

Raising young kids isn’t always easy, but as a single dad (or mum) it can sometimes be more of a challenge when you’re on your own.

You don’t have a partner to help raise the kids, and while family and friends are there for you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times.

Single dads can experience an amazing mix of stress, love and work. There’s no job quite like it. Although you will have rough days where your children seem unruly, there will also be days when you cannot imagine your life being more perfect.
 

Tips for single dads raising young kids

It won’t always be plain sailing, but these tips will help you on your way to becoming a successful single dad with young kids in tow.
 

1. Balancing work & parenting

Achieving the right balance between work and parenting is a tough task! It can be hard sometimes to be the bread winner and to juggle commitments to work and your kids, particularly when they’re still young.

So how can you better balance the two?

Firstly, you need to create a circle of support around you. Speak with nearby family and friends. Reach out to daycare centres, churches or organisations that can help.

It can be hard for a man to accept assistance from others, so remember that you’re doing this for your kids.

You should also have a backup plan if one of your support people is unavailable. The last thing you need at 7 am on a work day is that you have no babysitter.

Be open with your kids. Even though they’re young, talk about needing to work and how you wish you could be there more often. Toddlers and preschoolers often understand more than adults give them credit for.
 

2. Raising your kids

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to raise well-rounded kids. Even if it can feel overwhelming, if not impossible at times when you’re on your own.

When it comes to parenting daughters, don’t feel like being a man makes it harder. You can be just as good a parent as anyone else. Even though they’re young, don’t fall into the habit of trying to fix everything for your girls.

Many men have a tendency to overprotect their daughters and solve all their problems for them. Instead, focus on good communication and encourage them to solve problems on their own.

If you’re raising boys, try to be a good role model. Your sons watch what you do and say. Then they tend to copy both. Treat others with respect, and your boys will learn to do the same.
 

3. Don’t ignore your mental health

As you focus on raising your kidsl, don’t forget about taking care of yourself.

Being a single dad is stressful, so you need to work on your mental health. The way you eat, drink, love and cope with stress, depression, anxiety and sadness all play a big role in the state your mental health is in.

Sometimes you will need to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing the right thing for you and not just the easiest thing.

Take care of your body and exercise regularly, eat well and get as much sleep as you can.

Even though your children are the focus of your life, it’s important to take time for yourself, catch up with friends and enjoy your hobbies.
 

4. Enjoy being a single father

Your role as a single father is going to be stressful, taxing and challenging for a few more years yet. But it will also be full of love, laughter and rewards.

Use a circle of support to help create a good work/life balance, do your best to raise well-rounded kids and remember to take care of yourself. This way, your children will see a great role model for when they become parents themselves.

Source: This article was written by DadSolo.com – Everyday adventures with Dad!
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